As you prepare for a job interview, it’s easy to overlook one of the most important steps: preparing good questions. You’ll always be given the floor to ask your own questions, and they can leave a lasting impression on the hiring manager. Don’t leave your next job interview without asking these critical questions.

“All of the questions suggested here are great, please add closing questions to the interviewer! Do you feel comfortable recommending me for the job? Do you think I am the right fit within the organization? Do you have any areas for concern about me in the role that I can address now?” says Sharon Tsao, CMO, Contemporary Staffing Solutions.

How Will Success Be Measured?

This is a critical question for a couple of reasons. First, it shows whether the company has really parsed out goals for the position, which speaks to the company’s preparedness for the new employee. Next, it will give you an idea of what will be expected of you on the job.

What Types of People Succeed in This Role?

This question cuts to the chase and requires the hiring manager to talk about exactly what they are looking for in their ideal candidate. This speaks to critical soft skills and personality traits they require, and it will allow you to decide whether you are truly a good match for the role.

What Challenges Await the Person Hired for This Role?

The answer to this question can pull back the curtain on things you typically wouldn’t know until you started the job. Perhaps the department has a poor relationship with another department. Maybe the team is currently without a manager, or has suffered under recent budget cuts. The details revealed can provide you with clearer, more detailed information about what the job will be like.

Is There Anything About My Experience That Would Deter You from Making Me an Offer?

This is a bold question, but a strong question. If the hiring manager has nagging questions about something, it gives you the opportunity to address those questions directly. It also shows that you are very interested in the position, and you want to make sure the hiring manager has all the necessary details to make an informed decision.

Could You Tell Me More About…?

You also may have lingering questions about something you did or did not discuss during the interview. Don’t leave without asking those questions. First, it gives you the answers you need to evaluate the opportunity. Second, it shows that you were actively engaged in the process and you’re interested in learning as much as you can about the company or the job.

What Is the Timeline for The Next Steps?

Never, ever leave an interview without asking for next steps. This is basic “Interview 101,” but it is also an easy step to forget about in the moment. You want to make sure you have a timeline, so you know what to expect, and it reinforces the fact that you are truly interested in the job.